Determining personal outdoor comfort with individual and environmental parameters

ABSTRACT

Devices and systems for determining personal outdoor comfort are described herein. One device includes instructions executable to receive inputs corresponding to characteristics of a user associated with a mobile device, determine a location of the mobile device, communicate an indication of the characteristics and the determined location to a computing device, and receive an outdoor comfort determination from the computing device, wherein the outdoor comfort determination is particular to the user based on the characteristics of the user and particular to the location of the mobile device based on a plurality of environmental parameters associated with the location of the mobile device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/403,724, filed Jan. 11, 2017, the specification of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to devices and systems for determiningpersonal outdoor comfort.

BACKGROUND

Generally, the human body can generate heat from metabolic processesand/or physical activity. When heat generation exceeds heat loss, onemay feel hot. Alternatively, when heat loss exceeds heat generation, onemay feel cold. Thermal comfort may be perceived when heat generation andheat loss are substantially similar. Outdoor comfort can depend on avariety of factors that mediate heat loss. For example, heat loss can bemediated by air temperature, humidity, and/or wind speed.

Previous approaches to determining outdoor comfort may providetwo-parameter indices, multi-parameter indices, indices based onempirical formulas, and/or indices based on physical models derived fromfirst principles. In some cases, such approaches may rely only onatmospheric data. In some cases, such approaches may be applicable onlyin select temperature ranges. Further, previous approaches may not bepersonalized to particular individuals and may not adapt to the sorts ofvariations in physiology and/or psychology that individuals mayexperience in response to their changing environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for determining personaloutdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a mobile device for determining personaloutdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a flow chart associated with determining personaloutdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a computing device for determiningpersonal outdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Determining personal outdoor comfort is described herein. For example,one or more embodiments include a mobile device, comprising a processingresource and a memory having instructions stored thereon which, whenexecuted by the processing resource, cause the processing resource toreceive inputs corresponding to characteristics of a user associatedwith a mobile device, determine a location of the mobile device,communicate an indication of the characteristics and the determinedlocation to a computing device, and receive an outdoor comfortdetermination from the computing device, wherein the outdoor comfortdetermination is particular to the user based on the characteristics ofthe user and particular to the location of the mobile device based on aplurality of environmental parameters associated with the location ofthe mobile device.

Determining personal outdoor comfort can refer to determining (e.g.,predicting) an individual's response to, or comfort level in, outdoorenvironmental conditions. Stated differently, determining personaloutdoor comfort can refer to predicting a personal experience—particularto an individual—of the outdoor conditions. Determining personal outdoorcomfort can include providing a comfort level corresponding to outdoorconditions. In some embodiments, such a level may include a numericalvalue. In some embodiments, such a level may not be numerical in nature.Once determined, the comfort level can be used to select clothing to beworn, activities to be performed, and/or time to be spent outside, forinstance.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can determine outdoor comfort fora particular person by tailoring the determination to that personaccording to their unique physiology, clothing, activity level, and/ortheir personal perceptions of different environmental conditions, amongothers.

In contrast with previous approaches, embodiments herein can leveragedata beyond traditional atmospheric data. For instance, embodimentsherein can utilize land surface information (e.g., land coverclassification, impervious surface fraction, forest canopy fraction,surface skin temperature, etc.) to determine outdoor comfort.

Further, because embodiments herein can be personalized to particularusers, more meaningful information can be provided than in previousapproaches. In an example, a person may be particularly sensitive towind in that their comfort may depend on wind speed (or lack thereof)more than an average person. Accordingly, an approach that is notpersonalized may provide them with an output of what the temperatureoutside “feels like,” when, for them, it feels quite different.Embodiments of the present disclosure can alleviate the inconvenienceassociated with considering and weighing different weather conditions inorder to determine comfort level.

Additionally, embodiments herein can adaptively respond to the sorts ofvariations in physiology and/or psychology that individuals mayexperience in response to their changing environment. For instance,embodiments herein can leverage past and/or predicted weather patterns.In an example, consider two days that have identical weather conditions:50 degrees Fahrenheit and mostly cloudy. However, one of the days (dayA) is preceded by a week where the temperature never rose above 32degrees Fahrenheit and the wind routinely gusted, and the other (day B)is preceded by a week where the temperature never fell below 65 degreesFahrenheit and the sun was unobstructed from sunrise from sunset. Aperson is likely to feel more comfortable on day A than on day B,despite the identical conditions on those days. Whereas previousapproaches may indicate the same comfort level on day A as day B,embodiments herein can recognize the psychological effect of such ashift in weather and respond accordingly. Moreover, because thispsychological shift may be felt differently by different users, thepersonalized nature of embodiments herein can even better determinecomfort.

In some embodiments, a user can be provided (e.g., via a mobile device)with a determined comfort level indicated by a value along a scale. Sucha scale can include quantitative and/or non-quantitative values rangingfrom a lower limit—corresponding to dangerously uncomfortableconditions—to an upper limit corresponding to perceived comfort. In someembodiments, contextual and/or explanatory information can be providedin conjunction with the comfort level. Whereas previous approaches mayuse difficult-to-interpret terms such as “apparent temperature,”embodiments of the present disclosure can use terms that are readilyinterpretable (e.g., hot, cold, comfortable, etc.).

According to one or more embodiments herein, once provided with adetermined comfort level, a user can provide evaluation(s) and/orfeedback regarding the accuracy of the determination as it pertains tothem personally. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure canbecome increasingly personalized to the user by receiving theseevaluations and building an “outdoor comfort profile” (sometimesreferred to herein as “comfort profile” or “profile”) particular to theuser. Such a profile is discussed further herein and can include, forinstance, one or more conditions in which the user experiences comfortand/or one or more conditions in which the user experiences discomfort.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof. The drawings show by wayof illustration how one or more embodiments of the disclosure may bepracticed.

These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those ofordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of thisdisclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that mechanical, electrical, and/or process changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments hereincan be added, exchanged, combined, and/or eliminated so as to provide anumber of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. Theproportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the presentdisclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

As used herein, “a” or “a number of” something can refer to one or moresuch things. For example, “a number of facilities” can refer to one ormore facilities.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 100 for determining personaloutdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 can include amobile device 102 in communication with a computing device 104 via anetwork 106.

The network 106 can be a network relationship through which the mobiledevice 102 and the computing device 104 can communicate. Examples ofsuch a network relationship can include a distributed computingenvironment (e.g., a cloud computing environment), a wide area network(WAN) such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a personal areanetwork (PAN), a campus area network (CAN), or metropolitan area network(MAN), among other types of network relationships. For instance, thenetwork 106 can include a number of servers that receive information(e.g., data, inputs, indications, etc.) from the mobile device 102 via awired or wireless network, and send the information to the computingdevice 104 via a wired or wireless network (or vice versa).

As used herein, a “network” (e.g., network 106) can provide acommunication system that directly or indirectly links two or morecomputers and/or peripheral devices and allows users to access resourceson other computing devices and exchange messages with other users. Anetwork can allow users to share resources on their own systems withother network users and to access information on centrally locatedsystems or on systems that are located at remote locations. For example,a network can tie a number of computing devices together to form adistributed control network (e.g., cloud).

A network may provide connections to the Internet and/or to the networksof other entities (e.g., organizations, institutions, etc.). Users mayinteract with network-enabled software applications to make a networkrequest, such as to get a file or print on a network printer.Applications may also communicate with network management software,which can interact with network hardware to transmit information betweendevices on the network.

The mobile device 102 can be a smart phone, tablet, personal digitalassistant (PDA) or other mobile computing device. In some embodiments,the mobile device 102 can be a wearable device, such as a watch,bracelet, necklace, glasses, etc. Embodiments herein do not limit themobile device 102 to a particular type of device.

The mobile device 102 can include a memory 110 and a processing resource(e.g., one or more processors) 108. Memory 110 can be any type ofstorage medium that can be accessed by processing resource 108 toperform various examples of the present disclosure. For example, memory110 can be a non-transitory computer readable medium having computerreadable instructions (e.g., computer program instructions) storedthereon that are executable by processing resource 108 to determinepersonal outdoor comfort in accordance with the present disclosure. Thatis, processing resource 108 can execute the executable instructionsstored in memory 110 to determine personal outdoor comfort in accordancewith the present disclosure. The processing resource 108 may be acentral processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, and/or other hardwaredevice suitable for retrieval and execution of instructions stored inthe memory 110.

Memory 110 can be volatile or nonvolatile memory. Memory 110 can also beremovable (e.g., portable) memory, or non-removable (e.g., internal)memory. For example, memory 110 can be random access memory (RAM) (e.g.,dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and/or phase change random accessmemory (PCRAM)), read-only memory (ROM) (e.g., electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM) and/or compact-disk read-onlymemory (CD-ROM)), flash memory, a laser disk, a digital versatile disk(DVD) or other optical disk storage, and/or a magnetic medium such asmagnetic cassettes, tapes, or disks, among other types of memory.

Further, although memory 110 is illustrated as being located in themobile device 102, embodiments of the present disclosure are not solimited. For example, memory 110 can also be located internal to anothercomputing resource (e.g., enabling computer readable instructions to bedownloaded over the Internet or another wired or wireless connection).

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile device 102 can include a user interface112. A user (e.g., operator) of the mobile device 102 can interact withthe mobile device 102 via user interface 112. For example, userinterface 112 can provide (e.g., display and/or present) information tothe user of the mobile device, such as, for instance, a determinedoutdoor comfort level, as described herein. Further, user interface 112can receive information from (e.g., input by) the user of the mobiledevice 102.

In some embodiments, user interface 112 can be a graphical userinterface (GUI) that can include a display (e.g., a screen) that canprovide and/or receive information to and/or from the user of the mobiledevice 102. The display can be, for instance, a touch-screen (e.g., theGUI can include touch-screen capabilities). Embodiments of the presentdisclosure, however, are not limited to a particular type(s) of userinterface.

The mobile device 102 can include a location functionality 114. Thelocation functionality 114 can include circuitry and/or componentsallowing the mobile device 102 to determine its location (e.g., globalgeographic location). In some embodiments, the location functionality114 can include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In someembodiments, the location functionality 114 can include a wirelesscommunication component configured to establish a communication with oneor more wireless beacons (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE),etc.). The circuitry and/or components included in the locationfunctionality 114 are not intended to be limited by embodiments hereinand are known to those of skill in the art.

The computing device 104 can include a memory and a processing resourceanalogous to that previously described with respect to the mobile device102. In some embodiments, the computing device 104 may be referred to asa “back end” or “server” device and the mobile device 102 may bereferred to as a “front end” or “client” device, though embodiments ofthe present disclosure are not so limited.

It is noted that while a single mobile device 102, a single computingdevice 104, and a single network 106 are illustrated in FIG. 1,embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited. For instance,as the present disclosure relates to the personalization of comfortdeterminations for different users, each one of a plurality of users maybe associated with a respective mobile device in communication with thecomputing device 104. Furthermore, though not illustrated in FIG. 1, thesystem 100 can include one or more “non-mobile” computing devices (e.g.,desktop computing devices) in communication with the computing device104 via the network 106.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of a mobile device 202 for determiningpersonal outdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The mobile device 202 can include a memory(e.g., a non-transitory machine readable medium) 210 and a processingresource 208, which can be analogous to the memory 110 and processingresource 108, previously described in connection with FIG. 1.

The medium 210 can store instructions 216 executable by the processingresource 208 to receive inputs corresponding to characteristics of auser associated with a mobile device. In some embodiments, a user mayauthenticate himself to the mobile device. In some embodiments, multipleusers may share a mobile device. The characteristics can be input via aprompt, for instance. In some embodiments, the characteristics caninclude a birth year of the user, a height of the user, a weight of theuser, and/or a home location of the user (e.g., address, zip code,etc.). In some embodiments, more detail may be input such as a body fatpercentage of the user, metabolic characteristic(s) associated with theuser, clothing characteristics associated with the user, sensitivitiesof the user, and/or activities being performed by the user, forinstance.

In some embodiments, metabolic characteristics associated with the usercan include resting heart rate, target heart rate, maximum heart rate,and/or basal metabolic rate, among others. In some embodiments,metabolic characteristics can include diet-related characteristics, suchas food and/or water intake, for instance.

In some embodiments, clothing characteristics associated with the usercan include clothing coverage, clothing quantity (e.g., number oflayers), and/or clothing quality (e.g., properties associated with thematerial and/or construction). In some embodiments, clothing quality canrefer to insulative properties of clothing. In some embodiments,clothing quality can refer to permeability of clothing (e.g., to airand/or water).

In some embodiments, default settings for clothing characteristics canbe determined that may include seasonally varying clothing thatmaximizes thermal comfort. In some embodiments a user can input clothinginformation in order to generate personalized predictions associatedwith what they are actually wearing (or have available to wear).

In some embodiments, activities being performed by the user can beinput. In some embodiments, a duration that corresponds to exposure tooutdoor environmental conditions can be input. In some embodiments,“activity” may default to resting in place, and can be altered byselecting an item from a list and, in combination with environmentalconditions, associated with changes in the passive and active componentsof the human thermoregulatory system (e.g. heat generation, blood flow,sweating, shivering, etc.). In some embodiments, common activitiesduring particular environmental conditions can be stored. Theseactivities (or similar activities) may later be suggested when similarenvironmental conditions recur (discussed further below). Activities mayrefer to leisure activities, sports, exercise, etc. In some embodiments,activities may be defined more specifically, such as “walking,”“running,” “skiing,” “paddling,” “playing tennis,” and/or “hiking,” forexample

In some embodiments, sensitivities of the user can refer to asensitivity of the user to one or more environmental parameters. Forexample, one user may be particular sensitive to sunlight while anotheruse may be particularly sensitive to cold winds. In some embodiments,sensitivities may be associated with a medical condition experienced bythe user. In some embodiments, sensitivities may be associated with apharmaceutical drug (e.g., medication) taken by the user. In someembodiments, a user may input medical condition(s) and or pharmaceuticaldrugs and embodiments of the present disclosure can adjust comfortdeterminations accordingly. Thus, in some cases, the user'ssensitivities may be mitigated by embodiments herein even when the userdoes not have a personal understanding of what those sensitivities are.

The characteristics may be referred to as “user defaults” in that theycan represent information characterizing the user that is unlikely tochange often. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted periodically(e.g., monthly) to verify that the characteristics remain valid.

The medium 210 can store instructions 218 executable by the processingresource 208 to determine a location of the mobile device. As previouslydiscussed, the mobile device can include a location functionalityconfigured to allow the mobile device to determine its geographiclocation. For example, the location can be determined using a GPSfunctionality (e.g., receiver) of the mobile device. In someembodiments, the location may be input by the user. Such embodiments maybe implemented if the GPS functionality is disabled and/ormalfunctioning, though embodiments herein are not so limited. Locationsmay be input as coordinates, landmarks, addresses, etc. In someembodiments, the location can be determined to within a high degree ofaccuracy (e.g., one meter). In some embodiments, the location can bedetermined with a lesser degree of accuracy (e.g., one city block).

The medium 210 can store instructions 220 executable by the processingresource 208 to communicate (e.g., as a signal) an indication of thecharacteristics and the determined location to a computing device (e.g.,the computing device 104, previously described in connection with FIG.1). Such communication may be performed responsive to a user input(e.g., opening an application) and/or periodically, for instance. Insome embodiments, the determined location can be communicated to thecomputing device according to a schedule (e.g., once per hour) orresponsive to a change in location exceeding a distance threshold. Insome embodiments, the characteristics may only be communicated once andthen not communicated again until one or more of the characteristics arechanged by the user.

The medium 210 can store instructions 222 executable by the processingresource 208 to receive an outdoor comfort determination from thecomputing device, wherein the outdoor comfort determination isparticular to the user based on the characteristics of the user andparticular to the location of the mobile device based on a plurality ofenvironmental parameters (e.g., outdoor conditions) associated with thelocation of the mobile device. The outdoor comfort determination can bemade by the computing device, for instance, by a process discussedfurther below.

The outdoor comfort determination can be displayed to the user via themobile device. In some embodiments, the outdoor comfort determinationcan be played as an aural file (e.g., audio) via the mobile device.Manners of communicating and/or providing the outdoor comfortdetermination to the user are not intended to be limited by the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a flow chart associated with determining personaloutdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. The flow chart illustrated in FIG. 3 can representinstructions executable by a first computing device (e.g., the mobiledevice 102, previously described in connection with FIG. 1) and a secondcomputing device (e.g., the computing device 104, previously describedin connection with FIG. 1). At 324 and 326, characteristics and locationcan be received via the mobile device in a manner analogous to thatpreviously discussed in connection with FIG. 2.

From the characteristics, the computing device can create a comfortprofile for the user at 328. The comfort profile can be unique to theuser. The comfort profile includes information particular to the userthat bears upon the user's comfort outdoors. For instance, the comfortprofile can initially include the characteristics of the user and can bemodified with further information personalized to the user (such as thatreceived through user evaluations, discussed below). In someembodiments, the comfort profile can include historical location(s) ofthe mobile device, clothing characteristics associated with the user ofthe mobile device (e.g., clothing worn and/or possessed by the user),activities in which the user engages, season(s) in which the user isactive or inactive, etc.

From the location of the mobile device, the computing device can, at330, determine a respective value for each of a plurality ofenvironmental parameters local to the mobile device. In someembodiments, environmental parameters can be received from an externalentity (e.g., a weather service). In some embodiments, environmentalparameters can include air temperature, dew point, wind speed, winddirection, and/or terrestrial and/or solar radiation. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure do not limit the types of environmental parametersfor which values are determined. It is to be understood thatenvironmental parameters as discussed herein refer to parameters thatare related to (e.g., bear on) outdoor comfort. For example,environmental parameters can include one or more aspects of weatherand/or climate.

In some embodiments, environmental parameters include currentparameters. In some embodiments, environmental parameters includehistorical parameters. Historical parameters can refer to recentparameters (e.g., a previous day) and/or older parameters (e.g.,previous weeks, years, etc.). In some embodiments, environmentalparameters include future (e.g., predicted) parameters. Theenvironmental parameters may be determined for a city or zip code inwhich the mobile device is located. The environmental parameters may bedetermined for a more localized area (e.g., street, one-acre parcel,etc.).

The values determined for the parameters may be applicable for aparticular time period such as, for instance, the next two or threehours, the next 24 hours, or the next day. Further, the computing devicemay receive and/or determine the values for the parameters periodically.For instance, the computing device may receive a weather forecast oncean hour, once a day, etc. The accuracy and/or reliability of the weatherforecast may depend on the time horizon for the forecast and/or thefrequency with which the forecast is received (e.g., the shorter thetime horizon and/or higher the frequency, the greater the accuracyand/or reliability of the forecast). However, embodiments of the presentdisclosure are not limited to particular information that can beincluded in a forecast, a particular time horizon for a forecast, or aparticular frequency with which a forecast can be received.

In some embodiments, determining environmental parameters can includedetermining parameters based on land surface information. For instance,because surface meteorological observations may be relatively sparse,land surface information can be used to improve the granularity and/oraccuracy of such observations. Land surface type and/or character canaffect a number of surface weather and/or climate parameters. Forexample, the urban heat island effect and/or the shading effects offorests can affect environmental parameters. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure can utilize land surface information to adjust meteorologicalvalues.

In accordance with embodiments herein, land surface information includesimpervious surface fraction, tree canopy fraction, normalized differencevegetation index (NDVI), land cover classification, building height towidth ratio, building height to length ratio, snow cover fraction, snowdepth, surface skin temperature, and/or volumetric soil moisture. Forinstance, soil moisture, snow cover, and/or surface skin temperature canaffect the mean radiant temperature, an environmental factor bearing onhuman comfort. Building height and width can define the “urban canyon”and can affect mean radiant temperature, wind speed, and incomingradiation through effects such as shadowing, reflection, channeling, andabsorption.

Because, for instance, land cover classification is relatively static incharacter, it can be measured to a resolution of less than 100 feet insome cases. Combined with information regarding land surface conditions,such high-resolution information can be used to fill the gaps betweenmeteorological point observations (e.g., weather stations) and/ormodeled grid cells.

In some embodiments, a data assimilation method can be performed using anumerical model with detailed land use boundary forcing data. Forexample, in some embodiments, a land surface model can be forced withpast, observed, and forecast meteorological data (e.g., in “offlinemode”) to produce downscaled conditions taking into account relativelyhigh-resolution land surface conditions. In some embodiments, a fullycoupled numerical weather prediction model can be used that includes aland surface model.

In some embodiments, statistical modeling can be performed that relatesland surface values to one or more meteorological values. Estimates ofmeteorological values influenced by a type and/or condition of landsurface can be determined using a geostatistical method, for instance.

Thus, whereas previous approaches may be limited to measurements wheremeteorological instruments are available, embodiments of the presentdisclosure can determine the local effects land surface can have onenvironmental parameters measured with these instruments. To illustrate,in previous approaches, a user's weather forecast may be applicable atthe location of the nearest instrument station (e.g., an airport).However, a user in a large city 15 miles from the airport may experiencequite different environmental conditions including, for example,increased air temperature due to urban heating, differing wind speedsbetween buildings, and/or varying solar conditions in areas of sun,shadow, reflection, and/or absorption.

Once values for parameters in the location are determined and/orreceived, a comfort level particular to the user can be determined basedon the values of the parameters and the user's comfort profile at 332.In some embodiments, a default comfort level (e.g., a comfort level notparticular to any individual user) may be determined and adjustments maybe made based on the individual user's profile. For instance if theuser's age exceeds an age threshold and/or if the user's weight does notexceed a weight threshold, embodiments herein may determine that theuser may find comfort in warmer temperatures than a person considered tobe typical.

In accordance with embodiments herein, a default (e.g., non-specific toa user) value along a normalized model index can be determined. In someembodiments, the normalized model index can range from −1 to 1,corresponding to a spectrum spanning dangerously cold conditions (−1),perceived equilibrium and/or comfort (0), and dangerously hot conditions(1). The normalized model index can be transformed to an outdoor comfortindex by a product of one minus the absolute value of the normalizedmodel index and a constant. The constant can be selected to define anupper limit of the outdoor comfort index. For example, a constant of 10can yield an outdoor comfort index that ranges from 0 to 10, and aconstant of 100 can yield an outdoor comfort index that ranges from 0 to100.

Accordingly, based on the user's profile and the values of theenvironmental parameters, the comfort level provided to the user can bea particular value selected from a comfort index having a plurality ofvalues corresponding to different levels of human comfort, where thelower limit (e.g., 0) can represent dangerously uncomfortable conditions(e.g., extreme heat or cold) and the upper limit (e.g., 10) canrepresent perceived comfort. To illustrate, if it is determined that aparticular set of weather conditions are slightly too cool for a certainuser's comfort, that user may be provided with a comfort level of “9.”If it is determined that a particular set of weather conditions areslightly too warm for a user's comfort, that user may be provided with acomfort level of “9.”

The comfort level can be communicated to the mobile device and providedto the user (e.g., via a display) at 334. In addition to the determinedcomfort level, embodiments herein can provide additional informationthat provides context and/or explains the selection of the particularlevel from the index. In some embodiments, contextual information caninclude qualitative information describing the comfort level (e.g.,adjectives describing the weather) such as, for example, “comfortable,”“uncomfortable,” “chilly,” “muggy,” “brisk,” etc. In some embodiments,explanatory information can include more detailed information describingthe rationale for the selected level and/or the contextual informationsuch as, for example, “high winds,” “low humidity,” “obscured sunlight,”etc.

Accordingly, embodiments herein can provide meaningful comfortinformation to a user in a plurality of manners. One manner can includea number selected from a comfort index that provides a user with ahigh-level determination of how comfortable he or she is likely to be.Another manner can include contextual information giving context to thenumber (e.g., whether warm or cool). Another manner can includeexplanatory information describing in further detail why the numberand/or the contextual information was selected, and another manner caninclude qualitative information describing the determined outdoorcomfort level. In some embodiments, the user can activate and/ordeactivate the provision of one or more of these manners.

In some embodiments, the information provided to the user may depend onthe user's particular location. In an example where the user works in alarge city, the user can be provided with two comfort levels: one forwhen the user is exposed to sunlight, and another for when the sun isobscured from the user by one or more buildings, for instance. In somecases, the user may intend on traveling from one location to another ina particular period of time and may desire to know his comfort level ina remote location. Accordingly, embodiments herein can allow the user toinput a location using the mobile device and be provided with adetermined comfort level in that remote location.

In some embodiments, a suggestion may be communicated associated withincreasing the determined outdoor comfort level. For example, such asuggestion can include a suggestion to change clothing, changeactivities, and/or change location. Particular suggestions can be made.For example, a suggestion to wear a hat and/or increase heart ratethrough activity can be provided. In some embodiments, the informationprovided to the user can include a range of thermal comfort valuesassociated with different clothing choices and/or activities. In someembodiments, one or more activities may be suggested when environmentalconditions are similar to those where the activit(ies) were previouslyperformed by the user.

Upon receiving the comfort level and the additional information, theuser can provide (e.g., via the mobile device) an evaluation of thedetermined comfort level and/or the additional information at 336. Insome embodiments, the user can be provided with a plurality ofselectable options to indicate his actual perceived comfort level. Forexample, the plurality of options can include “very hot,” “hot,” “warm,”“comfortable,” “cool,” “cold,” and “very cold.” In some embodiments, theuser can be provided with a scale (e.g., a slider and/or quantitativescale) ranging from an uncomfortably cold level to an uncomfortably hotlevel. The selection made by the user along such a scale can beconverted to a value between −1 and 1 for determination of the user'sactual perceived comfort level.

In some embodiments, the user can evaluate the contextual and/orexplanatory information. For example, the user can select terms hewishes to be used and/or remove those he dislikes. In some embodimentsthe user can control an amount of information provided. It is to beunderstood that particular users may be interested in more detailedinformation and/or context than other users and embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be customized accordingly.

In some embodiments, the user evaluation can include an approval of aparticular value of one or more of the parameters related to outdoorcomfort for the activity being performed (or intended to be performed).For example, the user can indicate that one or more conditions areparticularly suitable for a given activity. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure can subsequently recommend that activity responsive to asubsequent occurrence of those one or more conditions (e.g., either inthe same location or in a different location). In an example, the usercan indicate that they enjoyed a run on a cool, foggy morning with lowlight conditions. When those conditions occur again a week later, a runmay be recommended.

In some embodiments, the subsequent conditions exceed a similaritythreshold with the conditions approved by the user in order for theactivity to be recommended. Stated differently, if a first determinedcomfort level for a given activity and a user evaluation of thatdetermined comfort level for that activity exceed a first similaritythreshold (e.g., the user approves of the determined comfort level forthat activity in those conditions) and a subsequent comfort level isdetermined to exceed a second similarity threshold with the firstdetermined comfort level (e.g., the conditions are sufficiently similarat a later time), the activity may be recommended. Such thresholds maybe automatically determined and can be modified by the user. Forinstance, one user may be picky with regard to the conditions in whichthey will go paddle boarding and may thus insist on exact conditions forpaddle boarding to be recommended, whereas another user may be lessexacting with the conditions leading to golf being recommended.

At 338, the computing device can receive an indication of the user'sevaluation and modify the user's comfort profile based on thatevaluation. For example, the computing device can determine that theuser is particularly sensitive to wind, sunlight, heat, and/or otheraspects of comfort based on differences between the provided comfortlevels and the evaluations. Embodiments of the present disclosure cantrain and/or learn user preferences for different outdoor conditionsand/or locations based on user evaluations over time. Accordingly, overa number of iterations of evaluations of different comfort levels indifferent conditions, embodiments of the present disclosure can becomeincreasingly personalized to a user. Stated in other terms, a user'sprofile can be modified based on a first evaluation, the modifiedprofile can be modified again based on a second evaluation, and so on.

According to some embodiments, a notification can be provided to themobile device responsive to a difference between the determined outdoorcomfort level and the user evaluation of the determined outdoor comfortlevel exceeding a threshold. For instance, embodiments herein candetermine that it is unlikely that the user is indeed comfortable (asindicated) at −20 degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, a notification can beprovided that presents the user with a warning and/or mitigationmeasures. Similarly, if a user reports feeling “cool” in dangerously hotconditions, a notification can be provided. Such a notification can beprovided to the mobile device and/or to other devices specified by theuser (e.g., devices of friends, family, and/or people proximal to theuser's location).

In some embodiments, a user can be provided with notifications and/orrecommendations (e.g., tips) for achieving comfort. For example, one ormore items of clothing (e.g., a coat) can be suggested based on theconditions. In another example, a user can be notified that activitybelow a certain level is likely to result in relative discomfort andactivity above that level is likely to result in relative comfort.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of a computing device 404 for determiningpersonal outdoor comfort in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure. The computing device 404 can include a memory(e.g., a non-transitory machine readable medium) 410 and a processingresource 408, which can be functionally analogous to the memory 110 andprocessing resource 108, previously described in connection with FIG. 1.The medium 410 can store instructions executable by the processingresource to carry out the functions previously discussed with respect tothe computing device in FIG. 3.

For instance, the medium 410 can store instructions 440 executable bythe processing resource 408 to receive indications of a plurality ofcharacteristics of a user associated with a mobile device. The medium410 can store instructions 442 executable by the processing resource 408to create an outdoor comfort profile associated with the user based onthe characteristics. The medium 410 can store instructions 444executable by the processing resource 408 to receive an indication of alocation of the mobile device.

The medium 410 can store instructions 446 executable by the processingresource 408 to determine a respective value for each of a plurality ofparameters related to (e.g., bearing on) outdoor comfort at the locationof the mobile device. The medium 410 can store instructions 448executable by the processing resource 408 to determine an outdoorcomfort level particular to the user at the location of the mobiledevice based on the values of the parameters and the outdoor comfortprofile. The medium 410 can store instructions 450 executable by theprocessing resource 408 to communicate the determined outdoor comfortlevel to the mobile device.

The medium 410 can store instructions 452 executable by the processingresource 408 to receive, from the mobile device, an indication of a userevaluation of the determined outdoor comfort level. The medium 410 canstore instructions 454 executable by the processing resource 408 tomodify the outdoor comfort profile associated with the user based on theuser evaluation.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anyarrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coverany and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of thedisclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in anillustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of theabove embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically describedherein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing theabove description.

The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes anyother applications in which the above structures and methods are used.Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are groupedtogether in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of thedisclosure require more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim.

Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter liesin less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed:
 1. A mobile device, comprising: a processing resource;and a memory having instructions stored thereon which, when executed bythe processing resource, cause the processing resource to: receiveinputs, via an interface of the mobile device, corresponding to aplurality of characteristics of a user; determine a location of themobile device; communicate an indication of the characteristics and thedetermined location to a computing device; and receive a personalizedlikelihood of comfort in outdoor environmental conditions from thecomputing device, the personalized likelihood communicating adetermination, made by the computing device, of how likely the user isto be comfortable in outdoor environmental conditions via a particularunitless numeric value selected from an index, the index including amaximum value corresponding to comfort and a minimum value correspondingto discomfort, wherein the particular unitless numeric value is selectedbased on the characteristics of the user and a plurality ofenvironmental parameters associated with the location of the mobiledevice.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofcharacteristics includes: a birth year of the user; a height of theuser; a weight of the user; and a home location of the user.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the plurality of characteristics includes: ametabolic characteristic of the user; a clothing characteristicassociated with the user; and an activity being performed by the user.4. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of characteristicsincludes: a sensitivity of the user to at least one of the plurality ofenvironmental parameters associated with the location of the mobiledevice.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the sensitivity is associatedwith a medical condition currently experienced by the user.
 6. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the sensitivity is associated with apharmaceutical drug being taken by the user.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the plurality of environmental parameters associated with thelocation of the mobile device includes: an air temperature associatedwith the location; a dew point associated with the location; a windspeed associated with the location; and an incoming solar radiationassociated with the location.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein theplurality of environmental parameters associated with the location ofthe mobile device include current environmental parameters, historicalenvironmental parameters, and predicted future environmental parameters.9. A computing device for determining personal outdoor comfort,comprising: a processing resource; and a memory having instructionsstored thereon which, when executed by the processing resource, causethe processing resource to: receive indications of inputs made via aninterface of a mobile device corresponding to a plurality ofcharacteristics personal to a user; create an outdoor comfort profileassociated with a user based on the plurality of characteristicspersonal to the user; determine a respective value for each of aplurality of outdoor environmental parameters local to a mobile deviceassociated with the user and information received from an externalentity; determine a likelihood that the user would be comfortable inoutdoor environmental conditions based on the values of the parametersand the outdoor comfort profile, the likelihood represented by aunitless numeric value; and communicate the determined likelihood thatthe user would be comfortable in outdoor environmental conditions to themobile device.
 10. The computing device of claim 9, includinginstructions to receive a user evaluation of outdoor comfort from themobile device.
 11. The computing device of claim 9, includinginstructions to: determine a respective value for each of the pluralityof environmental parameters at a location remote from the mobile devicebased on a location input made using the mobile device and theinformation received from the external entity; determine a differentlikelihood that the user would be comfortable outdoors particular to theuser at the remote location based on the values of the parameters at theremote location and the outdoor comfort profile; and communicate thedifferent likelihood that the user would be comfortable outdoors to themobile device.
 12. The computing device of claim 9, includinginstructions to determine the respective value for each of the pluralityof environmental parameters local to the mobile device, wherein theplurality of environmental parameters local to the mobile deviceincludes an impervious surface fraction and a land cover/land useclassification local to the mobile device.
 13. The computing device ofclaim 9, including instructions to communicate qualitative informationassociated with the determined likelihood that the user would becomfortable outdoors to the mobile device, the qualitative informationdescribing outdoor comfort in terms of thermal sensation.
 14. Thecomputing device of claim 13, including instructions to determine andcommunicate a suggestion associated with increasing the determinedlikelihood that the user would be comfortable outdoors.
 15. Thecomputing device of claim 14, wherein the suggestion includes at leastone of: a suggestion to change clothing worn by the user; a suggestionto change an activity performed by the user; and a suggestion to changea location of the user.
 16. A non-transitory machine-readable mediumhaving instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a processingresource, cause the processing resource to: receive indications of aplurality of characteristics of a user associated with a mobile devicebased on inputs made into an interface, wherein the plurality ofcharacteristics includes an activity intended to be performed by theuser and a clothing characteristic associated with the user; create anoutdoor comfort profile associated with the user based on thecharacteristics; receive an indication of a location of the mobiledevice; determine a respective value for each of a plurality ofparameters related to outdoor comfort at the location of the mobiledevice; determine an outdoor comfort level particular to the user at thelocation of the mobile device based on the values of the parameters andthe outdoor comfort profile; communicate the determined outdoor comfortlevel to the mobile device; receive, from the mobile device, anindication of a user evaluation of the determined outdoor comfort level;and modify the outdoor comfort profile associated with the user based onthe user evaluation.
 17. The medium of claim 16, wherein the userevaluation of the determined comfort level includes an approval of aparticular value of at least one of the parameters related to outdoorcomfort at the location of the mobile device for the activity intendedto be performed by the user.
 18. The medium of claim 17, includinginstructions to subsequently recommend the activity intended to beperformed by the user responsive to a determination of a subsequentoccurrence of the particular value of the at least one of the parametersrelated to outdoor comfort at the location of the mobile device.
 19. Themedium of claim 16, including instructions to: receive an indication ofa subsequent location of the mobile device; determine a respective valuefor each of the plurality of parameters related to outdoor comfort atthe subsequent location of the mobile device; determine a subsequentoutdoor comfort level particular to the user at the subsequent locationof the mobile device based on the values of the parameters at thesubsequent location and the modified outdoor comfort profile;communicate the subsequent determined outdoor comfort level to themobile device; and recommend the activity intended to be performed bythe user at the subsequent location responsive to a determination that:the determined outdoor comfort level and the user evaluation of thedetermined outdoor comfort level exceed a first similarity threshold;and the subsequent determined outdoor comfort level and the determinedoutdoor comfort level exceed a second similarity threshold.
 20. Themedium of claim 16, wherein the user evaluation of the determinedcomfort level includes a preferred change of thermal sensation.